INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
T-90 battle tank at Defence Expo 2018 venue
of major global and domestic military firms, which are eyeing billions of dollars of contract as part of the country's military
modernisation programme.The NDA government is trying to project the 10th edition of the event as first serious attempt to transform India --
the largest importer of military platforms and weapons -- into a hub of military manufacturing.India is expected to spend close to USD 300
billion in the next five years in procuring defence equipment and almost all major global defence firms are eyeing a slice of it.Though the
four-day-long DefExpo, on the outskirts of Chennai and close to the temple town of Mahabalipuram, began today, it will formally be
manufacturers, are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware.Over 47 countries, including the US, the UK, Russia,
Afghanistan, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam will participate in the four-day event.The
include Lockheed Martin, Boeing (US), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Rafael (France), Rosonboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems
(UK), Sibat (Israel), Wartsila (Finland) and Rhode and Schwarz (Germany).India's indigenously developed land, air and naval systems are also
being showcased.The weapons and platforms being displayed include the Tejas fighter jets, advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS)
designed by the DRDO Arjun Mark 2 tank and Dhanush artillery guns.The DRDO's exhibits include the Nirbhay missile system with launcher,
autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (AUGV), MBT Arjun Mk-I tank, Astra missile, low level transportable radar (LLTR) system, medium power
radar (MPR) system and Varunastra -- heavy weight anti submarine electric torpedo.
